New Law Gives Transgender Students Choice Between Sex-Segregated Programs, Facilities

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JUNE 23: California Gov. Jerry Brown delivers a keynote address during the 2011 Pacific Coast Builders Conference on June 23, 2011 in San Francisco, California. California Gov. Jerry Brown delivered his address as State legislators scramble to revise a budget that Gov. Brown vetoed. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California has become the first state to enshrine certain rights for transgender K-12 students in state law, requiring public schools to allow those students access to whichever restroom and locker room they want.

Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown announced Monday that he had signed AB1266. The new law gives students the right “to participate in sex-segregated programs, activities and facilities” based on their self-perception and regardless of their birth gender.

Supporters said the law will help reduce bullying against transgender students. It comes as the families of transgender students have been waging local battles with school districts around the country over what restrooms and locker rooms their children can
use.